Just Energy Sustainable Gardens Keep on Growing
June 11 2018 - 8:45AM
The Just Energy Foundation was excited to unveil recently its first
Sustainable Garden and Outdoor Learning space in Canada. In
partnership with PACT Urban Peace Program’s
Grow-to-Learn (GTL) initiative, volunteers
from Just Energy worked alongside PACT representatives to convert
an existing green space at Elmbank Junior Middle Academy, in
Toronto, into a fully accessible half acre garden complete with
plant beds, fruit trees and bushes, and a dedicated teaching area.
Rebecca MacDonald, Just Energy’s Executive Chair, joined PACT leads
and school administration at the ribbon cutting ceremony to
celebrate the official opening of the ‘living classroom’.
In the days leading up to the opening, students and staff also
rolled up their sleeves as all got involved to plant a tree per
grade, enabling the full student population to engage in the
gardening experience. The transformed space offers 600 students
from JK to grade 8 the opportunity to learn about the environment
and the importance of sustainability in everything from
pollination, to seeding and harvesting throughout the seasons.
Designed to be a fully accessible space, children with diverse
needs will be able to fully participate. The organic produce grown
will also be shared to help feed the local community.
The opening of the sustainable garden also coincides with an
important milestone for the school, as Elmbank celebrates its 50th
anniversary in 2018. The outdoor classroom will serve students now,
and well into the future through unique, hands-on learning as
teachers utilize the ‘living classrooms’ to build on existing
curriculum. These opportunities immerse youngsters in an
environment where they can learn firsthand about plant lifecycles,
food and gardening, and their role as stewards of the earth.
Focusing on priority neighbourhoods, PACT’s Grow-to-Learn
program transforms school grounds into high quality outdoor,
experiential education where GTL staff facilitate a variety of
curriculum-led workshops to students in grades 1-12. The
spaces can be accessed by students, teachers, and community members
alike.
“We have seen the amazing benefits that outdoor, experiential
education provides, especially for younger children who may not get
the opportunity to take part in extracurricular activities,” says
Paige Lockett, Director of Operations at PACT. “We are delighted to
be partnering with Just Energy to be able to provide the chance for
our youth to both connect to nature and provide an expansive
learning experience in the garden.”
“We are pleased to welcome our first Just Energy Sustainable
Garden and Outdoor Learning space in Canada,” says Rebecca
MacDonald, Just Energy’s Executive Chair. “As a company with strong
Canadian roots, it’s important that we continue the Foundation’s
mission to cultivate communities of action, cooperation and
enrichment in more of our operating markets. We believe in strong
corporate citizenship and our social responsibility to be an
engaged and active community member. Supporting humanitarian
initiatives is important to us and, as an organization, we take
great pride in our ability to give back and pay it forward in
service to others.”
Since launching the Just Energy Sustainable Gardens initiative
in December 2017, the Foundation has completed 12 gardens and
outdoor learning spaces across several markets in the United
States, with our most recent being in Canada. These include Houston
and Weslaco (Texas), Boston, West Orange (New Jersey), Suwanee
(Georgia), Sacramento, California and Toronto, Ontario.
About Just Energy Foundation: The Just Energy
Foundation was established in 2013 by Just Energy Group Inc. to
help registered Canadian and U.S. charitable organizations secure
the resources required to promote the health and well-being of
communities in need. Funded entirely by Just Energy, the Foundation
invests in local programs that work to enhance the quality of life
in Just Energy's operating markets towards building stronger and
supportive communities. Visit justenergyfoundation.com to
learn more.
About Just EnergyEstablished in 1997, Just
Energy (NYSE:JE) (TSX:JE) is a leading retail consumer company
specializing in electricity and natural gas commodities, energy
efficiency solutions, and renewable energy options. With offices
located across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom,
Ireland, Germany and Japan, Just Energy serves approximately 1.6
million residential and commercial customers, providing homes and
businesses with a broad range of energy solutions that deliver
comfort, convenience and control. Just Energy Group Inc. is the
parent company of Amigo Energy, EdgePower Inc., Green Star Energy,
Hudson Energy, Interactive Energy Group, Just Energy Advanced
Solutions, Tara Energy and terrapass. Visit justenergygroup.com to
learn more. Also, find us on Facebook and follow us on
Twitter.
Media Contact:
Just Energy FoundationNancy
Donnaperna905.670.4440 x71312ndonnaperna@justenergy.com
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